Read Online Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - Free Book Online Page A

hours were enough to see him through the thaw.
    â€œCome now, my children,” Reverend Jacobs urged, his cheerfulness mightily restored. “There are documents to put your names to. And I do fear ’twill be another storm upon us before long. Do you hear the rain?”
    Shanna glanced to the windows and experienced a newanxiety. Outside the dark clouds gathered, deepening the dusk almost into night Her dread of storms had plagued her since she was a child and even now, as a woman, she could not subdue her fear. Hearing a light rumbling of thunder, she cringed inwardly. If only the worst of it would delay until this business was done!
    Facing away from the water-speckled crystal panes, Shanna hoped to put the storm from her mind but was much in a panic as she started to follow the minister into the vestry. But a hand on her arm halted her. The touch was gentle but as unrelenting as an iron band, and it gave her cause to wonder what strength lay hidden in the long, thin fingers of Ruark Beauchamp.
    â€œLook at me,” he murmured when she refused to acknowledge him. Unwillingly Shanna lifted cool, questioning eyes to his and found a slow, lazy smile that seemed to mock her. Leisurely Ruark passed a knuckle along the fragile bone of her cheek while the golden brands of his eyes plunged recklessly into the perilous depth of ocean green.
    â€œShanna, my love, I would take it much amiss if you cheat me of this night with you.”
    Annoyed by his blunt reminder, Shanna tossed her head, lifting her fine nose in the air. “I doubt if these good people have made arrangements for overnight guests. I fear, Mister Beauchamp, that you’ll have to restrain your ardor until we have more privacy.”
    â€œAnd will we have privacy, my dear?” he persisted. “Or will you spend the time ’til naught remains?”
    â€œYou can hardly expect me to be anxious to fall into bed with you, Mister Beauchamp,” she retorted flippantly. “You may be accustomed to easy conquests, but I for one find the thought distasteful.”
    â€œThat may well be, madam,” he replied. “But the bargain is for a full night in my arms, no less.”
    â€œYou’re shameless to take advantage of my situation,” she declared. “Were you a gentleman—”
    Ruark laughed softly in amusement, and his amber eyes challenged her. “And you did not take advantage of mine? Tell me, my dear, who bared her bosom to that poor soul in the dungeon to seduce him with her wily ways? Aye or nay, madam, tell me truly. Was it not thewench who took advantage of the horny wretch, knowing he was starved for the sight of a woman? And had it met her whim, I’ve no doubt she’d have drawn the fellow to those fair breasts.”
    Shanna jumped as if she had been stung, and her mouth flew open to speak her outrage, but she could find no words that would do justice to this callous knave, though she searched her entire vocabulary.
    Reaching out a finger, Ruark placed it beneath her lovely chin and gently raised it until her lips closed.
    â€œDo you deny it?” he mocked.
    Shanna’s eyes narrowed as she gritted, “You vulgar beggar, they should hang you for a molester of women!”
    His eyes gleamed like hard brittle amber, and his quip jarred her. “Madam, I believe that’s what they intend.”
    Shanna gulped. She had almost forgotten he was a murderer. She tried to wrench away as her heart fluttered in her breast, but he held her fast. Fearfully she glanced about for Pitney, but he was talking with the guards. Unless she made a scene, she could not gain his attention.
    Her words stumbled out awkwardly. “I—I was foolish to agree.”
    Ruark’s face was inscrutable, but something flickered in those eyes.
    â€œSo,” he smiled lazily. “Now that you have my name, you say the bargain void.”
    The prickling of fear became stronger. Something warned her that